Former England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier has been unveiled as the first full-time executive officer for the Rugby League International Federation.
Collier, who spent 10 years with the ECB and also worked for the International Cricket Council, will take up the specially-created role on April 1 and will be based in London.
RLIF chairman Nigel Wood said: "RLIF is delighted to have appointed a CEO with 30 years' experience of leading a number of the world's leading sports organisations.
"David has the highest reputation in the world of sport and brings a wealth of international experience as RLIF seeks to build upon the success of the 2013 World Cup and the exciting prospects for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2017."
Collier, who will fly out to Australia for the ANZAC Test in May, said: "I am honoured by the opportunity to lead RLIF and the sport of rugby league and thank the chairman and the board for their trust in me.
"My first priority will be to meet with the broadest possible range of stakeholders, to develop and commence delivery of our strategic plan and to create an international calendar which reflects the strength of our club competitions throughout the world and the success of the World Cup.
"Rugby league is one of the most exciting sports in the world and the enthusiasm of the crowds and television audiences at the recent World Cup demonstrates the great opportunity which we have to further expand and develop our sport."